When we at MarriedPeople, the marriage division of Orange, share about the MarriedPeople strategy, we talk about three different environments:
- Large Group Experiences
- Small Groups Experiences
- Experiences for Individual Couples
Larger Group Experiences Take Work
We get no push-backs on #2 and #3, but Larger Group Experiences seem to push negative buttons for some leaders. I totally understand why—Large Group Experiences can be time and labor intensive.
However, I know that Large Group Experiences produces a dynamic that make the time and effort worth it, especially if they are intentionally designed.
Whether your Larger Group Experiences for married couples happen as one-night events (1-2 hour program), weekend retreats or Sunday services, here are seven reasons we think make Larger Group Experiences worth it.
What Makes Larger Group Experiences Worth It
- Help to elevate marriage
- Help normalize struggle and hope
- Provide an opportunity to promote laughter and fun
- Make it easier to be man-friendly
- Create a platform for a relevant message
- Give you opportunities to suggest next steps
- Are great for outreach
The Impact Larger Group Experiences Have
At a marriage event at our church, the speaker encouraged couples to take divorce off the table as an option. A month after an event, a woman emailed us explaining she was in her second marriage. Until recently, she had decided not to change her last name just in case something happened.
She had also threatened her husband with divorce whenever they had a serious argument. To prove to her husband she was taking divorce off the table, she had her name legally changed, taking his last name. Do you think that meant something to her husband? Without question.
How We Can Help
We know you are busy, so we have created resources to help you create Larger Group Experiences. Because we are very passionate that Larger Group Experiences are really worth it! Need help creating Larger Group Experiences? Click the link!
Ted Lowe is a speaker and the director of MarriedPeople, the marriage division at Orange. Ted is the author of two books—one for marriage ministry leaders (Married People: How Your Church Can Build Marriages That Last) and one for married couples (Your Best US: Marriage Is Easier Than You Think). He served for almost 10 years as the director of MarriedLife at North Point Community Church. He lives near Atlanta, Georgia, with his four favorite people: his wife, Nancie, and their three children.
